Kyrie Irving makes strong return to action after 19-month absence

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kyrie Irving makes strong return to action after 19-month absence

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 11, 2026 12:04 PM ET

For the first time since March 3, 2025, Kyrie Irving returned to NBA action on Sunday.

The Dallas Mavericks star guard suffered a torn ACL in March of last year before also suffering a Grade 2 calf strain in December that delayed his return to action.

Irving made his long-awaited return on Sunday after a 19-month absence, and his performance certainly gave Mavericks fans something to get excited about.

Kyrie Irving was very sharp in his return

Irving played 22 minutes on Sunday and put together a solid performance in his return. He scored 17 points on 6-of-13 (2-of-6 3PT) shooting along with two rebounds and three assists.

Irving still had the quickness and athleticism he's always possessed, and that was certainly an encouraging sign. He also showed great chemistry with last year's No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year Award Winner Cooper Flagg. Overall, Irving showed everything he needed to show to prove that he is ready for a full regular season of action.

"When you love what you do every day, it doesn't feel like a job... basketball has rewarded me beyond measure, it's about legacy... the purpose is bigger now."

Kyrie Irving on his relationship with basketball, loving the game and working hard to return to give back to the next… https://t.co/isH2GqD0bF pic.twitter.com/7RgmWpwdLH
— NBA (@NBA) October 11, 2026

If health allows it, Dallas has a chance to reach the playoffs

The duo of Irving and Flagg has the potential to be one of the best in the entire NBA. The rest of the roster around those two will be important, and the Dallas front office has done a nice job of building it.

It will be a nice mix of veteran players like P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II and Naji Marshall, along with some nice young pieces in Max Christie, former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and this year's first-round pick, Morez Johnson Jr. Head coach Dusty May has quite a bit to work with in his first season as a head coach in the NBA.

Dallas has not been to the playoffs since 2024, when it lost in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics. This may be the best overall roster since that season, and with the Western Conference expected to be a bit weaker, don't be surprised to see the Mavericks back in the playoffs this season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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